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Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

Gregg Williams hasn't informed a free agent decision for New Orleans yet, hasn't hand-picked the inevitable defensive playmaker the Saints choose with their 14th-overall selection this year, hasn't installed a single scheme in a minicamp. Yet Williams' reputation has preceded him to the Crescent City, and his hiring as defensive coordinator is already considered one of the most important moves in team history.

After almost two decades of guaranteed defensive putridity, the last three of which have revolved around Gary Gibbs' lack of talent identification and bland scheming, the idea of Williams and his history of intelligent, hard-working, active, complex defenses coming to the Superdome is music to the ears. It also might finally push the Saints over the top.

When you're 0-4, and you're not even close to resembling a good football team, it's certainly time to make some changes. The Saints cannot afford to wait for this team to turn around any longer; the season's probably over anyway. But for shiggles, Sean Payton is going to try to force the issue with some changes to the starting lineup.

"There are a handful of positions that we need to evaluate closely and make sure we're playing the right guys. That starts with me, and we'll do that this week."

Olindo Mare, come on down! You're the next contestant in Waiting at the Unemployment Line! The Saints are planning on bringing new kickers to town this week, thankfully. Mike Vanderjagt might want to wait by his phone. I never thought I'd be happy about that possibility. Yet I am. Football is a cruel mistress.

Oh, and Devery Henderson? Good news, you're gonna get a lot more rest during games. I don't expect the Saints to cut Henderson, but he certainly won't be starting anymore. Once again: Henderson is the new Todd Pinkston. Payton also mentioned today that he needs to get Lance Moore the ball more, which makes sense since he and Marques Colston are the only two guys on offense making plays. The writing is on the wall.

A less criticized, but just as culpable, player is middle linebacker Mark Simoneau, who's the king of getting to the ball-carrier last. Brian Simmons would be next in line, but I'd like to see rookie Marvin Mitchell, a presence in preseason, get some time. And though I don't expect left tackle Jammal Brown to lose his job, he's looked awful this year, and Zach Strief is a great tackle in the making. So, yeah, glad to see Payton seeking change. All it cost was the 2007 season.

To get you ready for the season, FanHouse is previewing all 32 NFL teams. Here's New Orleans' outlook.

2006 record: 10-6

2006 Offense: The #1 offense in the league. Drew Brees. Reggie Bush. Deuce McAllister. Marques Colston. Devery Henderson. All led by Sean Payton, who has proved to be one of the most innovative offensive coaches in the NFL after but one year. Yeah, it was pretty good.

2006 Defense: The Saints ran an unusual defense last year -- the break but don't bend variety (yes, you read that correctly). Their job primarily was just to get the ball back to the offense, either by forcing an early three-and-out or by quickly giving up the big score. And they succeeded one way or the other. They still finished with the 11th overall defense, but causing turnovers was a major problem.

2006 Special Teams: Between Lance Moore, Michael Lewis, and Bush, the team did well enough returning the ball. Kickoffs were a problem though, so much so that the team had to waste a roster spot on Billy Cundiff, a kickoff specialist who still couldn't boom touchbacks into the endzone. John Carney retained his accuracy, but lost even more distance on his field goals. From the blocked punt that sparked the Superdome reopening, to Bush's first NFL touchdown (a game-winning punt return against Tampa), this unit produced some of the most memorable plays of the season.

Dhani Jones' career as a Saint began with a bang, and ended with a whimper.

After announcing his decision to sign with New Orleans right before training camp live on the NFL Network, the Saints announced that they cut Jones (along with eight other players) in the continuing effort to get down to 53 players by the deadline tomorrow.

Jones is the type of player who is overrated because he's a "name"; he's got a notable personality off the field (sort of like how people assume Kirsten Dunst is a good actress). In reality, he's an average linebacker that Philadelphia was thrilled to rid themselves of in the first place. He didn't pick up the New Orleans system quickly enough and played flat-out poorly this preseason, taking a number of penalties and looking generally lost.

If the Saints keep six linebackers, as expected, this bodes well for seventh-round pick Marvin Mitchell, who would back up Mark Simoneau in the middle and get in the action on running downs (where he excels). Mitchell has had a strong camp, both at linebacker and on special teams. Brian Simmons, Simoneau's current backup, could take the second-team strongside spot Jones is vacating. With Troy Evans making the team on the strength of his special teams play, this would leave Alfred Fincher (who had an interception in last night's victory over Miami) as the odd man out.

Another team might take a flier on Jones, but they'll be getting little more than a stellar bow-tie collection. At this point Jones, by all accounts a good guy (despite my "honest" appraisal of his talents above) with a great personality, might be better off displaying that neckwear in the television studio.